Popular Isle of Wight pub added to Michelin Guide for its great food

The Red Lion is celebrating after winning recognition in the latest Michelin Guide eateries round-up.

The traditional country pub prides itself on offering quality food and drink — and a warm welcome. 

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Serving pub classics, the Red Lion menu also includes surprises, such as beetroot-cured salmon pastrami, venison and autumn truffle, and cod with mussel velouté.

The origins of the pub date back to the 11th century.

It is located in the perfect spot, next to a picturesque medieval church, mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, and is in an Isle of Wight AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), with countryside around the pub — a haven for wildlife, walkers and cyclists.

The Red Lion's head chef, Sean Jeffers — who places great emphasis on his seasonal menus — was shortlisted as a finalist in the category of Best Pub Chef in the Great British Pub Awards last year.

Sean was commended for the use of high quality, locally-caught fish, and local meat and produce, including food grown from their own vegetable and herb garden, with an emphasis on seasonal menus.

Complimenting The Red Lion for what it has to offer its patrons, the Michelin Guide says: "It’s not just the open fires and friendly service that makes this such a warm and welcoming pub, the delicious beef fat crumpet and the sticky toffee pudding also help!

"The traditional building has origins dating back to 11C and sits next to a church, and it has its own garden which supplies some of the produce.

"There are 'light' or 'large bites' on offer at lunch, with the kitchen stepping things up a gear in the evenings."

Also included in the Michelin Guide are the following eateries — The Hamborough hotel in Ventnor; The Aquitania, Seaview; The Hut, Freshwater; and The Conservatory and Terrace, in Yarmouth.  

Mark MacDonald, of The Red Lion, was delighted with the pub's accolade.

"To gain this recognition from the Michelin Guide as representing high quality food, in fantastic surroundings, is a recognition of the effort and hard work the team at The Red Lion put in, day in, day out," Mark said.

"To feature alongside such brilliant eateries on the Island — and as the only pub — we are very pleased and proud to be in the Michelin Guide.

"We thank the Michelin reviewers and, most importantly, all of our customers, who continue to dine with us."

To see more of what the Red Lion has to offer, go to: https://www.redlion-freshwater.co.uk/